The organisation does this in two ways: through identifying, developing, funding and implementing projects; and providing finance to entrepreneurs. 

The drive by government towards a massive investment in infrastructure to help industrialise the country is focused on five major geographically-focused programmes, as well as projects focusing on health and basic education infrastructure, information and communication technologies and regional integration. 

The IDC, with its industry-specific knowledge and networks, strong industry research capability, corporate governance and balance sheet is an ideal partner to help government implement this programme.

Not only can the IDC contribute to an enabling environment, but the organisation can leverage its portfolio for maximum impact.

Not only can the IDC contribute to an enabling environment, but the organisation can leverage its portfolio for maximum impact, while at the same time ensuring high levels of customer service and limiting its environmental impact.

The IDC is facilitating the creation of jobs through dedicated and innovative funding mechanisms. Of the R10 billion set aside by the IDC for job creation, about R1,5 billion has been approved for 60 companies to promote job creation. We expect further approvals.

The Green Industries Strategic Business Unit focusing on the green economy and energy efficiency will continue to work with government as it searches for renewable energy sources, especially solar electricity and biofuels. To date, through IDC funding, more than 220 000 solar geysers have been installed nationwide. (Read more)

Through our initiatives, we are helping government in meeting the target of 1 million solar geysers by 2014-2015.

When it comes to mining and boosting beneficiation, the IDC has much experience in this area. Some of our flagship projects include Exxaro Resources and Lesego Platinum, a black junior mining company. We continue to look for projects to fund beneficiation in the areas of steel production, the platinum group metals, potash and potassium, rare earth elements, as well as coal, manganese, chrome and iron ore. 

In addition to focusing on the development of domestic industries, the IDC views the rest of the continent as integral to the future of South Africa’s success. We actively support development in the rest of the region through the implementation of strategies that will take advantage of the strengths of different countries in order to build competitive regionally integrated industries. This will benefit both the domestic as well as the regional economy.

Successful implementation of the projects outlined in the state’s infrastructure drive will require policy alignment and coordinated actions across different government departments as well as the private sector. The IDC, through its interactions with private business and its project development activities, has a unique insight into the real economy that can be a valuable source of information and knowledge for government to assist in guiding further policy development and addressing some of the obstacles for industrial development. 

The amount of funding required for these initiatives is likely to be significant. The IDC will need to leverage and manage its balance sheet effectively, ensure that it is funded appropriately and introduce innovative funding solutions to ensure that it can provide the funding requirements of industry as well as ensure its long-term sustainability.

In implementing these initiatives, we are conscious that we have to partner with our customers and project partners in the drive to develop our economy.